The United States has sent their B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers to the Middle East as Israel's conflict with Iran and its allies remains unresolved. The deployment of the B-52 Stratofortress in the area was announced by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday.
"B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," the X post by the US Central Command read.
For the unversed, B-52 Stratofortress serves as the US Air Force’s (USAF) principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform. Often called the 'Buff' (big ugly fat fellow), these giant planes are a successor of the B-52s from the 1950s. In the 21st century, they were used to target the Taliban and the Islamic State after having played a crucial role in the Iraq War.
As the B-52 Stratofortress, one of the iconic and lethal bombers of the world, reaches the Middle East, here are five things to know about it:
1. B-52H Stratofortress bombers are capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It has an unrefueled combat range of over 8,800 miles (14,080 kilometers). They are 159.4ft (48.5m) long and weigh approximately 83,250kg with a maximum take-off weight is 488,000lb (220,000kg).
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2. Manufactured by Boeing, the B-52 Stratofortress bomber celebrated its 50th anniversary (first flight April 1952) in April 2002, making it the longest-serving combat aircraft in the world. Rolls-Royce was awarded a $2.6bn contract by the USAF in September 2021 to deliver 608 F-130 engines to replace the ageing TF33 engines on B-52s, under the CERP (commercial engine replacement programme). Boeing will be responsible for integrating the engines into the aircraft.
3. These long-range, heavy bombers can be deployed for a variety of missions including close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.
4. The B-52 Stratofortress planes can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. A five-member crew is needed to operate the Buff -- the aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.
5. According to airforce-technology.com, the conventional weapons payload of Buff includes eight AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, four AGM-142 Raptor missiles, 51,500lb bombs, 301,000lb bombs, 20 AGM-86C conventional air-launched cruise missiles, 12 joint stand-off weapons (JSOW), 12 joint direct-attack munitions and 16 wind-corrected munitions dispensers (WCMD). The B-52H can also deliver 51,500lb, 301,000lb and 202,000lb navy mines.